Watercraft injuries unfortunately occur in each body of water throughout the country. The most careful watercraft operators may become the victims of a watercraft accident due to the negligent manufacture of trusted watercraft brands. While there is little you can do to prevent a watercraft accident due to a manufacturing error or defect, you may still be able to recover for injuries received in a watercraft accident based on the type of manufacturer.

Defective products most often occur as an error in the manufacturing plant. The manufacturers hold a duty of care to all end users of their products that the product will be safe for use or consumption. Any variance from this standard will lead to liability for any injuries caused to the end users. Manufacturers further have a duty to warn about potential unintended use of the product. For example, if it is feasible that an end user will use a product in a certain manner that may prove dangerous, the manufacturer must provide a warning against such use. Failure to do so could also result in liability against the manufacturer.

Watercraft manufacturers are no different, and often must follow an even higher standard of care based on the use of their product. A personal watercraft has a greater danger of accidental and unintended use as opposed to a small product such as a blender. The most popular watercraft manufacturers are:

• Kawasaki (produces Jet Ski)
• Yamaha (produces WaveRunner)
• Bombardier Recreational Products (produces Sea-Doo)
• Arctic Cat (produces Tigershark)
• Polaris (no longer manufactures personal watercraft)

The most common and recognizable type of personal watercraft is the Jet Ski, which is produced in many different models, each attracting a different type of clientele to their company. Kawasaki entered the watercraft business in 1973, essentially as the first company to manufacture personal watercraft. This paved the way for other manufacturers such as Yamaha and Bombardier Recreational Products, which produce similar products.

However, all of these products have the potential for defective components which can drastically affect the steering and maneuvering of the watercraft. Personal watercraft do not offer much protection in the case of any accidents or explosions. Instead, they almost guarantee that severe injuries could result from an accident given the lack of restraints and forcible jet stream.

If you have been injured as the result of an accident involving any of the above mentioned types of manufacturers, do not hesitate to contact the Malley Law Firm. Tony Malley understands the intricacies involved in filing claims against large manufacturers and will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Personal watercraft are supposed to represent fun times during the summer and instead far too often represent a tragic day on the lake. Filing a claim against a manufacturer which produced a defective product will help protect future users from going through the same injuries you suffered due to this manufacturer. Contact our Texas offices today for your initial free consultation.